Contents

Understand

Shiga was formerly known as the province of Omi (近江). Shiga is adjacent to Kyoto and Nara, so there are many historic spots such as temples, shrines, castles and ninja houses. Also Shiga has the largest lake and is enclosed by mountain ranges, so you can easily enjoy the wonderful natural views.

Talk

Get in

By train

The Special Rapid Service (新快速 Shinkaisoku) trains of JR Tokaido line and Hokuriku line (Its nicknames are "JR Kyoto Line" and "Biwako Line". Connects Osaka, Kyoto, Kusatsu, Maibara, Omi-Shiotsu and Tsuruga) and Kosei Line (Connects Osaka, Kyoto, Katata, Omi-Maiko, Omi-Shiotsu and Tsuruga) is useful for travel between Osaka, Kyoto and Shiga. Special Rapid Service trains runs once every half-hour or so.

The Keihan Keishin Line connects Yamashina (east of Kyoto) and central Otsu. It joins the Kyoto subway Tozai Line beyond Yamashina.

Get around

See

Do

Eat

It may not have the name recognition of Kobe beef, but Omi beef is very famous among Japanese gourmets, and every local town will have an (expensive) speciality restaurant. If you want to try it at a reasonable price, you can buy Omi beef ekiben (box lunches sold at a station) at JR Maibara station.

Funazushi (鮒寿司) is a famous local sushi. Made from anaerobically fermented funa (鮒), a local freshwater carp, the recipe dates back thousands of years and is in fact the original form of sushi. It's famously stinky and an acquired taste even among the Japanese.

Drink

Get out

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